Sort your setlist

Your setlist is the lifeblood of your band. You’d better like it, because you’re going to be squinting down at it every single night you play. And you’d better keep evolving it, because otherwise, ennui will set in before you can say “Mustang Sally”.

Golden rule:

“Function bands regularly make two big setlist mistakes. The first is to ‘ease in’ with the first couple of numbers. Wrong! It’s said you should open with your best song and close with your second best. Sounds scary – like you’re giving away the crown jewels – but it works.

"The second mistake is changing the set on the hoof, perhaps if people are or aren’t dancing. Again, no: it’s your job as a band to control the evening, with a set that builds and climaxes perfectly. Song changes should be slick and all the spoken introductions well-rehearsed – again, this gives you the chance to control everything. The best function bands are totally in command of the pace and dynamics of each event.” Neville Marten, Editor, Guitar Techniques